News
Civil Society Group Urges Probe into Dadiyata’s 2019 Disappearance After Explosive Claims
The Action Group on Free Civic Space (AGFCS), a coalition of Nigerian civil society organizations, has called on the Inspector General of Police to launch an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the enforced disappearance of political activist and lecturer Abubakar Idris, widely known as Dadiyata, who vanished in August 2019.
Dadiyata, then a 34-year-old lecturer at the Federal University Dutsin-Ma, was reportedly abducted by unidentified armed men on August 2, 2019, as he arrived at his home in Barnawa, Kaduna State.
Despite widespread condemnation from local and international groups, multiple lawsuits, and sustained advocacy, his whereabouts remain unknown more than six years later, making it one of Nigeria’s most prominent unresolved cases of enforced disappearance involving civic actors.
In a statement released on February 14, 2026, AGFCS expressed deep concern over recent public claims suggesting the disappearance was politically motivated.
The group highlighted statements by former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai during a recent live interview, where he reportedly pointed to former Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje as potentially responsible. El-Rufai referenced an alleged confession by a police officer said to have been involved in the operation, claiming officers were dispatched from Kano State.
According to AGFCS, which cited input from the Rule of Law and Advocacy Accountability Centre (RULAAC), these claims—if substantiated—would be “explosive.” The organization stressed that regardless of their accuracy, the allegations necessitate urgent official scrutiny.
“Enforced disappearance is a grave human rights violation and a direct threat to constitutional guarantees of the right to life, liberty, dignity, and freedom of expression under Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) and international human rights instruments,” the statement read. “When civic actors disappear without accountability, fear spreads and civic space shrinks.”
AGFCS urged the Inspector General of Police, in collaboration with relevant authorities, to:
- Initiate a transparent and independent investigation incorporating all available information, including recent public statements.
- Publicly release the findings and clearly communicate them to Dadiyata’s family.
- Ensure full accountability for anyone found responsible.
The group reiterated that enforced disappearances have no place in a democratic society and that Dadiyata’s family deserves truth and closure, while Nigeria requires accountability to prevent justice from remaining indefinitely delayed.
The renewed call comes amid heightened public attention following El-Rufai’s interview remarks and subsequent denials from Ganduje, who has rejected any involvement and described the allegations as baseless attempts to shift responsibility. Other voices, including Amnesty International, have also demanded an independent probe into the case.
Dadiyata, known for his social media commentary and criticism of political figures, remains a symbol of the risks faced by activists in Nigeria’s shrinking civic space. No official confirmation of his fate has emerged to date.
News
Senate confirms Vanguard’s Editor, Eze Anaba For National Human Rights Commission Board
President Bola Tinubu had in April written to the Senate, seeking the screening and confirmation of the nominees as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s human rights protection framework.
The Senate on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of the President of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Eze Anaba, and 15 other nominees to the governing board of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The NHRC is mandated to promote and protect human rights, investigate alleged violations and encourage compliance with national and international human rights standards.
The confirmation followed the consideration of a report presented today by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire (SAN, APC, Ondo Central).
The Senate also confirmed Dr Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman as chairman of the board and Dr Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) as Executive Secretary.
Other confirmed nominees are Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Edmund Chinonye, Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, Otunba Francis Meshioye, Patience Patrick Udoh and Hawwa Ibrahim.
President Bola Tinubu had in April written to the Senate, seeking the screening and confirmation of the nominees as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s human rights protection framework.
The letter was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
In the letter, Tinubu sought the reconstitution of the commission’s governing board in line with statutory provisions.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board, subject to Senate confirmation.
The nominees were drawn from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
News
MultiChoice Says Subscribers To Now Choose From Four DStv, GOtv Packages
Under the new structures scheduled to take effect on November 5, 2026, DStv subscribers will choose from four packages: Starter, Select, Sports and Premium, while GOtv customers will have Easy, Starter, Select and Sports.
Lagos| Pic: Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, flank by other executives after the press briefing held at the company’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos.
MultiChoice Nigeria, a CANAL+ company, has structured it’s DStv and GOtv channels saying that they are aimed at giving subscribers more choice and better value through packages tailored to their viewing preferences.
Under the new structures scheduled to take effect on November 5, 2026, DStv subscribers will choose from four packages: Starter, Select, Sports and Premium, while GOtv customers will have Easy, Starter, Select and Sports.
The announcement was made at a press briefing held at the company’s headquarters in Victoria Island, Lagos, where executives outlined
Chief Executive Officer of MultiChoice Nigeria, Kemi Omotosho, said that the restructuring forms part of CANAL+’s broader strategy to develop a more unified, customer-focused portfolio following MultiChoice’s integration into the group.
Omotosho emphasised that the changes were driven by customer feedback and shifts in how audiences consume entertainment across television sets, smartphones, tablets and laptops.
News
Leadership Names Obaigbena, Rabiu Persons of Year 2026
According to Leadership, the duo are being honoured for “building influential institutions, nurturing talent, challenging convention, and breaking new ground” in their respective fields.
Lagos |Pic: Presentation of Leadership Newspapers Person of the Year 2026 to Prince Nduka Obaigben, at the Ikoyi Offices of Arise News Channel in Lagos. In picture at the event were: Ombudsman, Kayode Komolafe; Leadership Newspapers Vice Chairman & Editor in Chief, Azu Ishiekwene; Leadership Newspapers Chairman, Mrs Zainab Sam Nda Isaiah; THISDAY Managing Director, Eniola Bello and Arise News Director of Politics, Akin Osuntokun.
Leadership Newspapers has named the Chairman of THISDAY Group and founder of Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, and the Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, as its Persons of the Year 2026.
The newspaper announced the recognition, while citing the businessmen’s contributions to institution-building, talent development, innovation, investment, job creation and philanthropy.
According to Leadership, the duo are being honoured for “building influential institutions, nurturing talent, challenging convention, and breaking new ground” in their respective fields.
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